Signification
A language other than one's native.
Contexte culturel
Slovaks often feel that their language is a 'secret code' because so few people speak it. Learning a 'cudzia reč' is seen as the key to escaping this isolation. As part of the EU, Slovakia promotes the 'Mother Tongue + 2' initiative, encouraging citizens to speak two 'cudzie reči' in addition to their native one. In the past, German was the 'cudzia reč' of the elite, while Slovak was the 'reč ľudu' (speech of the people). This created a complex social hierarchy based on language. English has become such a dominant 'cudzia reč' in Slovak tech and gaming that many English words are being integrated directly into Slovak speech.
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'reč' is feminine. This is the most common mistake for beginners.
Don't over-formalize
In a bar or cafe, use 'reč'. Using 'jazyk' might make you sound like a textbook.
Signification
A language other than one's native.
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'reč' is feminine. This is the most common mistake for beginners.
Don't over-formalize
In a bar or cafe, use 'reč'. Using 'jazyk' might make you sound like a textbook.
The Human Element
Using 'reč' implies you are interested in talking to people, not just studying grammar.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'cudzia reč'.
Učím sa novú ______ (accusative).
The verb 'učiť sa' requires the accusative case for the object being learned.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
The verb 'hovoriť' takes the instrumental case when expressing the language spoken.
Match the Slovak phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
These are essential related terms for any learner.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Koľko ______ ovládaš? B: Hovorím po anglicky a nemecky.
After 'koľko' (how many), we use the genitive plural.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Reč vs. Jazyk
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesUčím sa novú ______ (accusative).
The verb 'učiť sa' requires the accusative case for the object being learned.
Select the correct option:
The verb 'hovoriť' takes the instrumental case when expressing the language spoken.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are essential related terms for any learner.
A: Koľko ______ ovládaš? B: Hovorím po anglicky a nemecky.
After 'koľko' (how many), we use the genitive plural.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly, yes. 'Cudzia reč' is more common in speech, while 'cudzí jazyk' is more formal.
You say 'Hovorím cudzou rečou.'
No, for dialects use the word 'nárečie'.
The plural is 'cudzie reči'.
Yes, it is a very common and polite question in Slovakia.
That is the accusative case, used when the phrase is the direct object of a verb like 'učiť sa'.
Yes, but in the context of 'cudzia reč', it almost always means a language.
The opposite is 'materinská reč' (mother tongue).
Yes, but 'cudzí jazyk' is slightly more common in formal contracts.
It's like the 'ds' in 'roads', but treated as one sound.
Expressions liées
cudzí jazyk
similarforeign language (formal)
materinský jazyk
contrastmother tongue
rečová bariéra
builds onlanguage barrier
svetový jazyk
specialized formworld language
mŕtvy jazyk
similardead language
